Silver Lining
Silver Lining is an intergenerational program that brings together older adults with elementary school children. During weekly sessions, older adults engage in activities such as crafts, games, puzzles, and conversation with the students at Novi Community School District elementary schools. Silver Lining is sponsored by Novi Youth Assistance, Novi Community School District, and the City of Novi Older Adult Services.
Mentor Qualifications
Any caring older adult who has an hour to spare for an elementary school child on a weekly basis can be a Silver Linings Mentor. Mentorship support is provided — you do not need special training. You just need a desire to be a friend to a child.
Volunteers must be:
- Over 18 years old
- Responsible, flexible, and reliable
- Interested in working with young people
- Willing to complete the application and screening process, including a background investigation and reference check
- Willing to adhere to all program policies and procedures and to sign the program agreement
- Dependable and consistent in meeting time commitments
- Attend mentor training sessions, as necessary
- Willing to communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information, and receive feedback regarding mentoring activities
- Have access to transportation, auto insurance, and a good driving record
- No criminal record
- No illicit drug use
Novi Public Safety Mentorship Program
The Novi Public Safety Team Mentoring program is in its third year and has been very successful with 15 matches between Novi Community School District students and Novi Public Safety Team members. This program aims to build positive relationships with public safety officials in order to improve students’ self-esteem and leadership skills, as well as to provide guidance on becoming a positive member of society.
This program also links public safety members from the Novi Police Department and Novi Fire Department with students in the Novi School District. During weekly sessions, a public safety team member engages with students in various activities in order to provide guidance and support and to help develop self-esteem and leadership skills.
Thank you to the Novi Public Safety Team for your many hours of service, outstanding support, and commitment to this program.
Referrals for Mentoring
If you’d like to learn more about our mentorship programs to see if it would be a good fit for your child, please contact our office or your child’s school administration.
Mentoring Contacts
Office Administrator
Carrie Reichley
(248) 675-3089
Email
Silver Lining Chair
Rob Fridenberg
School Liaison
RosaLeigh Johnson
Building a trusted relationship with a mentor provides unquantifiable enrichment and benefits for children’s lives.